Q & A #1: Will a Starch-Free Diet Alone Relieve My Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?

Unlikely. However, it was a crucial piece of the puzzle toward pain relief and halting disease progression for me.

Why Starch-Free?

It appears as though many individuals who have been diagnosed with AS experience reduced disease activity when limiting or eliminating dietary starches. Studies by Dr. Alan E. Ebringer suggest a link between AS disease activity and starch consumption. There is no widely accepted scientific explanation for what causes this link, but there are plausible theories (e.g., molecular mimicry).

Each of our disease progressions and manifestations is unique. It would be incorrect and impossible for me to claim that dietary modifications will lead to success for everyone. However, I believe that at least moderate relief is achievable with alternative treatment methods.

Fringe Foods

Going starch-free is often only a piece of the puzzle for those suffering from AS. Other fringe foods also have the potential to cause inflammation. Fringe foods refer to common inflammatory foods. Fringe foods include, but are not limited to, nuts and seeds, dairy, nightshades, alcohol, cacao, eggs, sugar, oxalates, lecithin, and red meat. A full-elimination diet (i.e., AIP, GAPS) with the additional elimination of starch often gives people a better idea of which other foods may be triggering inflammation.

External Factors

Additionally, external factors impact how we feel. For example, when our bodies are stressed, tired, or taxed with environmental exposure to pollution, it may hinder us from reaching our full healing potential.

Lastly, irreversible damage, such as fusion (a result of long-term inflammation), can result in permanent stress and pain.

Your Unique Needs

Please note that not all Starch-Free Feasting recipes are elimination-friendly, nor will all recipes be acceptable for each individual’s unique dietary sensitivities. I recommend each individual pursue gut healing in addition to learning which foods their body thrives on and which foods to avoid. It is possible to navigate this journey on your own. However, if I had to do it all over again, I would consider utilizing the expertise of a Health and Lifestyle Coach familiar with AS.

My Experience

For me, strict adherence to a starch-free diet (as well as limiting dairy and refined sugar intake) as well as focusing on a generally healthy lifestyle has allowed me to live an active, symptom-free, and medication-free life. I have lived this lifestyle for three years now, and there is no evidence (radiographic or otherwise) of disease progression. My diet at the beginning of my journey was limited, but after a time of intensive healing, I am able to eat every recipe listed on this website.

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Please, contact me if you have questions about this post or about other parts of my journey. I am an open book and consider it a joy and privilege to walk alongside others in navigating alternative treatment methods for AS. I am not a medical expert, but I have walked the journey and learned much along the way.